Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) - Processing time & Requirements

Skilled Nominated Visas with subclass 190 are permanent residence visas designed for those with skills working under state or territory nomination. It gives a clear migration pathway for professionals meeting Australia's labor requirements and stringent criteria. This article details the processing time with the 190 visa, eligibility criteria, and important subclass 190 visa conditions.

Understanding the 190 Visa Australia

The Skilled Nominated Visa operates as a points-based permanent visa enabling holders to reside and work throughout Australia. The primary feature of this visa involves obtaining a nomination from a state or territory government within Australia. The 190 visa provides you and your eligible family members with the following benefits after approval:

• Live permanently in Australia
• Work and study freely
• Enroll in Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
• Travel in and out of Australia
• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

This visa is suitable for those whose skills are needed at the state or territory level, but aren't independently eligible under subclass 189. 

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 – Key Requirements

In achieving the subclass 190 visa, candidates must adhere to very strict requirements by which, consequently, only capable, highly qualified individuals shall be pooled into the Australian workforce.

1. Nomination from a State or Territory

To apply to the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190, you must receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory. The occupation lists, eligibility requirements, and application process differ between the state and territory authorities.

Some states require you to:

• Have a job offer
• Commit to living in the state for a specified period
• Show ties to the state (e.g., past study, family, or regional work experience)

This nomination adds 5 points to your immigration point score.

2. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Your occupation needs to be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List for the state or territory. This means your skills align with labour shortages recognised currently. Occupations listed base on:

• Health (e.g., nurses, physiotherapists)
• Engineering
• IT and cybersecurity
• Construction and trades
• Teaching and education

3. Skills Assessment

Before you apply you have to have a skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This process determines if your qualifications and experience are equivalent to Australian equivalent standards. Only a positive assessment is accepted with the visa application.

4. Age Limit

You must be under the age of 45 when you receive the invitation to apply; age is a big part of the point test with younger applicants scoring highly.

5. English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate at least Competent English to qualify. This typically means scoring:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0 in each band
• PTE: Minimum 50
• TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge scores also accepted

Additional points are awarded for Proficient or Superior English scores.

6. Points Test Requirement

You will need 65 points (at least) when you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Points will be determined based on:

• Age
• English language ability
• Skilled employment experience
• Qualifications
• State nomination
• Partner skills and other factors

Meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee an invitation—higher scores are more competitive.

Visa Subclass 190 Conditions

After you are granted visa subclass 190, you can expect some conditions, especially regarding your state or territory nomination.

1. Living in the Nominating State

Most states expect you to live and work in the state or territory that nominated you for a minimum of two years from when the visa was granted. This is not a legal condition of the visa itself, but it is what you agreed to when you applied for the nomination.

• Failure to honor this agreement can impact your ability to:
• Receive future state nominations
• Apply for certain government support
• Secure Australian citizenship (in some cases)

2. Updating the State Government

You frequently need to inform the state regarding your employment status, change of details, and any updates in the settlement during the first 2 years.

190 Visa Processing Time (Updated 2025)

The processing time for a 190 visa can vary as there are many variables affecting processing time. These variables include: completeness of documents, occupation requirements, and how many other applicants there are. In 2025, the Department of Home Affairs reported the following average processing times: 

• 75% of applications processed within 6 months
• 90% of applications finalized within 9 months

Factors Affecting Processing Times:

• Completeness of your application – Missing documents or incorrect forms can delay processing.
• State nomination processing times – Some states may take longer to approve your nomination.
• Occupation demand – Applications in high-demand occupations may receive faster priority.
• Health and police clearance delays – Slow processing or backlog in health or character checks can impact timing.

We recommend applicants submit a decision ready application, and respond in a timely manner when the department request additional information to minimize delays.

Tips to Speed Up Your 190 Visa Australia Application

To reduce delays in your visa 190 processing, consider the following expert tips:

• Double-check all documents before submission
• Ensure skills assessment and English tests are recent and valid
• Respond to any departmental queries immediately
• Work with a licensed migration expert like Immigration Agent Perth WA
• Avoid submitting false or misleading information, which can result in refusal

Why Choose Immigration Agent Perth WA for Visa Subclass 190?

Being a leading provider in Australian Immigration, Immigration Agent Perth WA also specializes in the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 applications. Our licensed consultants are equipped to assist applicants with:

• Maximize your points score
• Choose the most suitable state nomination
• Prepare and review all documentation
• Handle communication with the Department of Home Affairs
• Track your application status and ensure faster turnaround

We can deliver reliable advice based on your specific profile, and help you navigate the complex process with confidence.

Conclusion

The Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 is a pathway to build a future in Australia as a permanent resident. Understanding the 190 visa requirements and the processing time of the 190 visa is crucial for successful timely application. With expert support from Immigration Agent Perth WA, your pathway to Australian residency can be professional, smooth, and rewarding.